In a recent LinkedIn post, Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. explores the concept of cognitive bias and offers practical strategies for individuals to actively retrain their brains to notice and appreciate positive experiences. Rather than suggesting unhappiness, Smith, J.D., M.S. posits that our brains may simply be conditioned to overlook the good, a tendency that can be intentionally redirected.
The core of Smith, J.D., M.S.’s message is that our brains become adept at identifying what we consistently teach them to observe. This principle underscores the importance of deliberately focusing on small, positive moments. As Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. writes:
“Your brain becomes better at finding what you repeatedly teach it to notice. That’s why appreciating the small things matters. 🧠”
Smith, J.D., M.S. emphasizes that while these moments—like enjoying good coffee, seeing sunlight, or receiving a loving text—may seem trivial, they play a significant role in shaping our perception. The brain is constantly making decisions about where to direct our attention, and this allocation directly influences our overall experience.
The Power of Deliberate Attention
According to Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S., consciously acknowledging positive events serves as a crucial intervention. It counteracts the brain’s innate inclination to prioritize potential problems, uncertainties, and threats. By noticing the good, individuals are actively communicating to their brains that these positive aspects also hold significance.
“When you deliberately notice something positive, you’re interrupting the brain’s natural tendency to prioritize problems, uncertainty and threat. You’re essentially saying: ‘This matters too.’”
Over time, this consistent practice can make positive experiences more prominent and easier to recognize. Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. suggests that this deliberate focus is not about ignoring difficulties but about creating a more balanced internal landscape.
Strategies for Cognitive Retraining
To facilitate this shift in attention, Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. outlines three actionable techniques:
1. Embrace Specificity
Smith, J.D., M.S. advises against vague affirmations of gratitude. Instead, the recommendation is to be highly specific. For example, instead of saying “I’m grateful for today,” one should articulate “The first sip of coffee this morning was amazing.” As Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. explains, this level of detail compels the brain to truly process the experience rather than glossing over it.
2. Practice Mindful Pausing
When a positive moment occurs, the instinct might be to immediately move on to the next task or distraction. Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. advocates for pausing and allowing attention to rest on the pleasant experience for a few seconds. This sustained focus reinforces the learning process for the brain, as it learns from what it attends to.
3. Seek Small Wins Daily
At the end of each day, Smith, J.D., M.S. suggests reflecting on the positive moments that might have been overlooked. This practice focuses on the smaller, everyday occurrences—like a shared laugh, a pleasant walk, a kind message, or a problem that was resolved—rather than solely on major achievements like promotions or significant breakthroughs.
In conclusion, Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. argues that achieving a more positive outlook doesn’t necessarily require a perfect life. It often involves simply pausing long enough to acknowledge the positive realities that are already present. As Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. puts it:
“You don’t need a perfect life to give your brain more positive input. Sometimes you just need to stop moving long enough to register the life that’s already happening.”
Smith, J.D., M.S.’s insights provide a valuable framework for anyone looking to cultivate a more appreciative and positive mindset by consciously directing their brain’s attention.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Shannon Smith, J.D., M.S. on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on September 9, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →